Archive April 2012

Huggo's long-time server Island Johnny with one of his many local fans, Kailua-Kona artist and gallery owner Cindy Coats.

Each Wednesday at Huggo’s, we say mahalo to our loyal local island residents by offering a 20% discount on dinner (food only). This past Wednesday a number of our frequent island diners were sighted enjoying an evening out at Huggo’s as shown in these photos. We look forward to welcoming all of them and you back soon!

For more than 10 years now, Huggo’s has hosted the annual charity brunch fundraiser for the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. Last Sunday, more than 150 guests came out to support the Friends’ mission of helping in the healing process of children who have been victimized by child abuse, neglect and domestic violence in West Hawai’i. Guests enjoyed exquisite seaside dining, while contributing to this great cause.
Kudos to our managers and staff who volunteered their time to work the event, as well as all the volunteers from the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. Special thanks to Chef Ken for creating the incredible brunch specials featured at the event.

Let Chef Ken do the work and enjoy this tasty dish at Huggo’s! And now you can impress family and friends by creating it at home, as well, with the recipe provided by Chef Ken below. This dish took second place in Sam Choy’s Annual Poke Contest earlier this year — congrats Chef and thanks for sharing!

Combine all poke ingredients in a stainless bowl and gently mix. Take a piece of PVC pipe and cut 3″ pieces. Layer the sliced avocado, seaweed salad and frisee with the Poke in the pipe. Gently remove the pipe when complete. Serve immediately, kau kau & enjoy! Serves 2.

While our seafood usually gets top billing, we realize there are days when only a really great steak will satisty! In fact, Huggo’s classic Teriyaki Steak has been one of our best sellers for more than 40 years. Chef Ken frequently features his take on surf and turf (Keahole-Kona lobster with butter-tender filet mignon) as the nightly special and, overheard at dinner a few nights ago, a thirty-something couple exclaimed, “This is hands down the most delicious steak we’ve ever tasted!”, referring to the perfectly grilled New York steak which is a nightly menu staple. We couldn’t agree more!

We suggest enjoying this delicious cut of meat with one of the many fine red wines on our list offered by the glass and by the bottle. One of our current favorites? The Zolo Malbec Reserve from Argentina’s acclaimed Mendoza winegrowing region. Enjoy!

The PIPs from left to right:Dawn Steffler, Kaleo Clay, Theresa Edington, Kaye Harrel and Jenny Bradanini at Huggo's on the Rocks with Hawaii Island Lymphoma survivor David Kearns.

The PIPs (Power in Purple) were caught partying at Huggo’s on the Rocks after completing the Lavaman here on Hawaii Island April 1. The five women, all 40-something moms from Almaden, CA, established the group five years ago to train for fitness and fight cancer at the same time. Two of the five are cancer survivors and all are committed to raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). “We do this to better ourselves, while raising money for LLS,” Jenny Bradanini, the group appointed “Queen Pip” said. “In five years we’ve raised $185,000 for the cause,” she said. We say, “Cheers to the PIPs, we look forward to welcoming you back again next year”!

Travel writer Johnny Jet visited Hawaii Island last month and Huggo’s was featured in his recent blog. He writes: “Huggo’s is an excellent seaside restaurant. Opened in 1969, it continues to be a local favorite. Their specialty is fresh fish but their teriyaki steak is darn good!”